Gizmodo
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have begun work on creating tiny groups of robots that utilize electromagnetic forces to alter their shape and function. Ultimately, the team hopes to build a large number of microscopic robots that are able to metamorphose into any conceivable shape. This would be done by applying a charge to the nanobots, which would form different structures based on how, or where, that charge is applied. The concept is not too dissimilar to the material that was shown to be used for Batman's cape in Batman Begins. That similarity makes this research instantly awesome.
The team are quick to point out that their ideas are far from reaching fruition, and up to this point they are relying on simulations to form strategies that can be used for such shape-changing, or "claytronic," robots. The pocket-sized prototypes they are experimenting with are able to use electromagnetic forces to manoeuvre, communicate and share power. If you haven't already, check out the video above to see a simulation of what the overall concept will be able to do, as well as some footage of the prototypes in action. If that was not enough to keep you entertained, there is even a dorky-sounding narrator to guide you along the way. Gosh, you guys are spoiled. [New Scientist via Newlaunches]
Comments
Billy Barty that's small!
Holy batman! Then somebody decides to give them a brain and we're all dooooooooooooomed!
or rather central brain like in Irobot, that was swarm robotics... MAHAHAHA!
AHHHH IT'S THE REPLICATORS!!!
...I miss sg-1...
@strider_mt2k: Sorry Strider, he's no Milton Berle.....
More than meets the eye?
who decided that a CTS would be a good transformer?
this is cool stuff, use a car that isn't lamesauce on a stick to demonstrate it.
[en.wikipedia.org] Utility fog
This is pretty neat. How sturdy would something like this be, though? (would poking it dent it easily?)
Fianlly I'll have my Crysis Suit!
*Finally
@strider_mt2k: Should I even ask why you keep tabs on geriatric celebrity wang sizes? Never mind, I probably don't want to know.
PS: don't pick on little people, Barty may turn out to have been a tripod for all we know. That is, unless you have some antique photographic evidence midget pr0n to offer up and settle the record once and for all o.0
Micro bots: transform and roll out.
@OneFingerSalute: Me thinks ye doth protest too much.
Observing from the video the actual level this research is at now I estimate we should have a finished product in about infinity + 100.
Nanobots... like in Prey!
*runs away*
Haven't we learned anything from Sci Fi?
With all the Stargate and 4400 episodes i watched, this gives me a deep feeling of discomfort of having nanoids take over my body and replace my cells with themselves.
The end of humanity is approaching. Combined with the facts from "the day after tomorrow" we are indeed doomed.
Replicators / Alterans......not too far off into the future. Rape via sex powder...
@Citizen024:
The "facts" from "The Day After Tomorrow"? That was the least fact-based film I've ever seen!
huh... so i had play dough in my generation... and future generations get... super advanced electronically charged nano robots... irony...
I love technology! I'm just scared as hell what the wrong people do with it. Not to mention the replicators that will take over the universe. Why do I keep getting these headaches... it's like there's someone's fist in my head or something. Oh... damn.
Forget microscopic - i want a full life sized one thhat works_
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